Response to Rishika Singh’s Article in The Indian Express about Diwali
Journalists and writers are revered throughout the world for their professionalism and ethical conduct of reporting truthfully and disseminating that to the public. Usually, they thoroughly research their subject before they pen it. Normally, the public accepts their write ups.
Recently, I read an article written by one Rishika Singh in a well known and well respected newspaper: The Indian Express without checking the facts. The article is titled “ How did Diwali celebrations begin at the White House?” She mentioned “ Barack Obama was the first US President under whom Diwali Celebrations were held” which is completely false.
The First Ever Diwali celebration in the Western World was started by President Geoge W. Bush (43) on October 23, 2003 at The White House and personally I am a witness to that fact.
We, the Indian Community are grateful to all succeeding Presidents Obama, Trump and Biden to keep the tradition of Diwali Celebrations alive at The White House.
But, it seems that Ms. Singh had a different agenda by bringing Ramadhan, Eid, minority Islam into the narrative. She mentioned about recognition of minority groups without paying any attention to the plights of Black Americans & American Indians.
Rishika Singh did a good service to the Hindu cause of writing about Diwali but she tried to rewrite history inaccurately.
It would be nice if Rishika Singh retracts her story and saves herself from spreading misinformation to the public.
Piyush Agrawal
(Initiator of Diwali Event with President George W. Bush)
Nov 01, 2024
